There was certainly no shortage of new tech products in 2015. Many of them were predictable and/or long anticipated, like Google’s update of the Nexus phone line or the introduction of the long-rumored Apple Watch.

But there were still some surprises, and seven of them stood out. Our criteria wasn’t necessarily whether the gadget in question was a bestseller or innovative -- or even good. What mattered most is if it left an unexpected impression on the public and industry in 2015. The following are ordered by their release dates.